Freedom of Information request on how the lateral flow tests work to distinguish the presence of SARS CoV2 (FOI 22/006)

Published 31 May 2022

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FOI 22/006

31st January 2022

Dear,

Thank you for your information request, dated 03/01/2022, where you asked for:

“1 How the lateral flow tests work to distinguish the presence of Sars cov2

2 what is it actually looking for (according to the video the solution breaks up the virus fragments and they then reach labelled antibodies )

3 Why is that many household objects many edible items actually show up as a positive test (as shown on media outlets including studies I have undertaken myself )

4 On the NHS site it doesn’t state about not eating for 15/30 minutes before a test How to do a rapid lateral flow test for coronavirus (COVID-19) can you please give reason for this procedure not being mentioned.

5 So therefore this gives rise to the test actually testing positive if people have just eaten or drank certain food items prior to the test

Also if they do wait for half an hour there is every chance that these tests will still pick up fragments of food that test positive.“

Unfortunately, MHRA does not hold this information. UKHSA might be able to provide you with this information.

MHRA would always recommend that the instructions for use provided with the test should be followed.

The Freedom of Information Act only entitles you to access to information – the information supplied is subject to Crown copyright, and there are some restrictions on its re-use. For information on the reproduction or re-use of MHRA information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reproduce-or-re-use-mhra-information/reproduce-or-re-use-mhra-information.

If you have a query about the information provided, please reply to this email.

Yours sincerely,

MHRA Customer Experience Centre

Communications and engagement team

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU
Telephone 020 3080 6000FOI 22/006